Last week saw the start of the first human trials globally for a Covid vaccine. It has been developed by a team of scientists from Oxford. For them to take such a step so quickly – the virus was only isolated some 3 months ago - is a truly remarkable achievement.
Yesterday the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, announced that anyone in England with coronavirus symptoms who either must go to work or is over 65 can now be tested.
Yesterday the Government announced a new scheme for those in need of smaller loans. Businesses can apply for the Bounce Back Loans up to a maximum of £50,000, or 25% turnover, with the Government paying the interest for the first 12 months.
Last week, Captain Tom Moore, with an honour guard from his old regiment, completed his challenge to walk 100 lengths of his garden before reaching his 100th birthday. In doing so he has raised a staggering amount of money for the NHS – some £20m.
On Saturday the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick, announced a further £1.6 billion in funding to support local authorities delivering essential frontline services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Government took the decision to suspend all routine face-to-face dental care appointments to allow more people to stay at home and away from others. However, urgent dental care for the minority of cases that require it will be available.
On Saturday the Home Secretary, Priti Patel, set out the actions the Government is taking to support domestic abuse victims as well as increasing awareness of where people can access help during this difficult time.
There was widespread relief around the country at the Prime Minister leaving hospital. The pressure he was under before his admission was immense, it was clearly a dangerous situation and he was brilliantly looked after by the NHS. His thanks for his care team struck a chord. It was touching t
